county news

New research confirms HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer

Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus. Girls vaccinated before the age of 16 were found to be 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer. The reviews also confirm that HPV vaccines are only likely to cause minor, transient side effects such as a sore arm. The reviews were supported by…

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Wells Cathedral hosts tapestry highlighting Black British history

Wells Cathedral hosts tapestry highlighting Black British history

Carys NallyWest of England Paula Ogun HectorPaula Ogun Hector created the Tapestry of Black Britons to show the UK is "all one fabric"The artist behind a tapestry highlighting the wartime service of Black Britons has said it is part of efforts to tell a "missing" story. Artist Paula Ogun Hector, who led the multi-participant project, said the exhibition "spotlights inclusive British history".Wells Cathedral in Somerset, will display the 4m (13ft) long tapestry as part of the Tapestry of…

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Winterstoke Railway bridge closes to traffic for two years

Winterstoke Railway bridge closes to traffic for two years

A key railway bridge has been closed for about two years as the ageing structure is replaced.Winterstoke Railway Bridge in Weston-super-Mare closed to traffic earlier, with pedestrians able to use a replacement bridge.The existing structure was built during World War Two and North Somerset Council said it was nearing the end of its lifespan, and would have to close permanently within the next five to 10 years. Council leader Mike Bell said: "Winterstoke Road has a long history…

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Ancient marker stone unearthed in Penzance gas works

Ancient marker stone unearthed in Penzance gas works

A largely forgotten piece of history has been uncovered during gas pipe replacement works.Wales and West Utilities workers exposed granite marker stone buried beneath the road surface in Greenmarket in Penzance, Cornwall.The find has been identified as the site of the Borough Cross, which once marked the exact centre of the town. The original Borough Cross, which now stands outside Penlee House Gallery and Museum, was moved to make way for road widening in 1829, and a granite…

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Dorset road closures to improve junction due to start

Dorset road closures to improve junction due to start

A council is warning about road closures due to the start of work to change the road layout of a junction.Dorset Council said it would improve the layout at the Gore Clump junction on the C13 Blandford to Shaftesbury Road.From Monday the road will be closed on weekdays from 07:30 to 16:30 GMT until 19 December. Outside these times, a traffic control system will be in place.Dorset Council cabinet member Jon Andrews said: "This scheme is designed to…

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Bournemouth girl is department’s 1,000th radiotherapy patient

Bournemouth girl is department’s 1,000th radiotherapy patient

UCLHSeren was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer, called an ependymoma, in JulyThe mother of a three-year-old girl who was a hospital's 1,000th patient to receive a highly targeted form of radiotherapy has said her daughter was "incredibly fortunate".The University College London Hospital (UCLH) proton beam therapy (PBT) department is one of only two national centres providing the treatment.Seren, from Bournemouth, was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer, called an ependymoma, in July.Her mother Clare said:…

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Funding fears over after care for stroke survivors in South West

Funding fears over after care for stroke survivors in South West

BBCStroke survivor Bob Perrin says it would be "absolutely devastating" if the Stroke Association cannot find extra funding There are concerns stroke survivors across Devon and Cornwall will not be able to access the support they need due to a lack of funding for aftercare. The Stroke Association (SA), which runs Life After Stroke Services in the region, is worried about a long-term plan to keep its work going.The association says, unlike elsewhere in the UK where it…

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Cyclists take on Cobble Wobble hill climb in Frome

Cyclists take on Cobble Wobble hill climb in Frome

Clara Bullock,West of England and Alastair McKee,SomersetBBCChildren and older athletes take part in the Cobble Wobble, as well as some in fancy dressA race taking cyclists up a steep and narrow cobbled hill has taken place in a Somerset village.The Cobble Wobble in Frome attracted people in fancy dress alongside professional athletes on Sunday.The route up Catherine Hill is designed to test the riders' strength and skill, and the winners are crowned the King and Queen of the…

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One man dead and two others injured in Somerset crash

One man dead and two others injured in Somerset crash

A man in his 50s has died and three other people taken to hospital after a single-vehicle crash, police have said.Officers were called to the incident on the A303 between Sparkford and Wincanton in Somerset at 14:15 GMT.Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man in his 50s died at the scene - his next of kin have been informed.Of those taken to hospital, one is believed to be in a life-threatening condition, the second remains there with injuries…

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Martin Clunes revives Buckham Fair to raise funds for hospital

Martin Clunes revives Buckham Fair to raise funds for hospital

A fair hosted by actor Martin Clunes and his film producer wife, Philippa, is being revived in 2026 to raise funds for Dorset County Hospital's (DCH) new emergency department.Buckham Fair in Beaminster, Dorset, ran from 2009 to 2018, raising more than £600,000 for local charities.The hospital in Dorchester launched a £2.5m appeal for enhanced facilities in the new emergency department and critical care unit, which is due to open in 2027.The couple, who have supported numerous hospital projects,…

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Calm space opens for Truro nursing students

Calm space opens for Truro nursing students

University of PlymouthPictured left to right in the sensory study room: Ally James, lecturer in nursing, Leon Witton, nursing student, Chloe Sieley, nursing student, Tristan Coombe, lecturer in adult nursing, Lucy Allen, nursing student and Sinead Blowers, subject librarian at Cornwall Health LibraryA new sensory study room has opened to give healthcare students a quiet, supportive space while they train for their careers.The room, based in the library at the Knowledge Spa, at the Truro School of Nursing,…

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